LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

what size cam is too BIG

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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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Default what size cam is too BIG

I have a lt4 hotcam with stock bottom end and need some help.I am getting my heads ported,so i have a few ?'s The porter said he can make then flow about 280 or 290 so what kind of hp will i be looking at with the same setup with lt4 ported heads?If i change my cam what will be safe to use? trying to save some money?
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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id hit up AI or lloyd elliot about a custom cam ask them whats best to you and see if theyll grind oe for you
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by z28rob18
id hit up ai or lloyd elliot about a custom cam ask them whats best to you and see if theyll grind oe for you
^^^+1.
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 05:41 PM
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what if i just port them, and keep the same setup will what kind of power will i gain?
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by jatsfirebird
what if i just port them, and keep the same setup will what kind of power will i gain?
I think it would be a waste to not take full potential of those ported heads without a better cam.
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 10:14 PM
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well id say you could gain lik 30-45hp with just the ported heads but id really recommend gettin a cam of some sort even if its small or used
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by z28rob18
well id say you could gain lik 30-45hp with just the ported heads but id really recommend gettin a cam of some sort even if its small or used
He already has a hot cam installed. To the OP, look into getting a custom grind, or at least something like a CC306.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 01:09 AM
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cc306, xfi280 or 292, gm 847, or go with a big *** solid roller!
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 09:12 AM
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Comes down to the rpms the shortblock will handle. Some of these guys are suggesting cams that need to spin too high.

The peak flow numbers are not that meaningful and I would not even consider ported LT4s.

You want to go simple proven and rpms inside the stock shortblock's(assumption) rpm capacity look at the Comp 503.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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so your saying don't even waist my time porting the heads?the on;y thing is im wanting more hp,so would you guys port the heads for like 600,and intake for 200. or just go get a better,bigger cam?
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 12:13 PM
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No I am saying peak flow numbers while often quoted are not a real indicator of a head's potential. Those are some big numbers to get for so little money and I would be surprised if they actually work well, there is something wrong there either shortcuts to get price down or inflated numbers to convince you to buy.

Ported stock heads can be a GREAT mod if they are done by the right folks, as with everything there are a lot more folks offering this service than those who actually know what they are doing.

IMO LT4 heads are NOT worthy of the belief folks have in them, the valves are nice, but that is about the only good thing I will say about them. I look at results though so my opinions vary sharply from the popular opinions.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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i have heard of the guy doing the porting,and i know the tuner that tunes the cars once they have been done and they are doing good with good #'s do u think i will see a big increase in hp,will it help alot? if i keep the same cam?how much hp gain will i see in your guys opinion?
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 05:45 PM
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If you have the hotcam and want to keep it the ported heads will put you between 350-380rwhp depending on other mods and auto or manual! What people are trying to say is to get your money worth from the heads it would be better to do a bigger cam with them but most say not to twist the stock bottom end past 6500 so you dont want to do to big of a cam. Think about what you want to do in the future if a stroker is in mind I would set your self up for it do the heads keep the cam you have and do the bigger one when you do the motor. If you want to stay heads and cam then you may want to do a custom cam to squeeze every bit of power out of the combo you have!
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 07:21 PM
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i have a rebuilt bottom end and it's spinning to like 6800 now and no problems.and its an auto,with all the right stuff hooker longtubes,rebuilt tranny,borla and lt4 intake.it has 336 rwhp now
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 07:47 PM
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LT4 intake is in no way an upgrade.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 07:49 PM
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Wow 336 threw an auto with a Hotcam is pretty good! and the cam isnt given up by 6800?
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 07:53 PM
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i have stock bottom end with a 292 xfi cam and 6800 is my shift point no prob
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 1996camaross
i have stock bottom end with a 292 xfi cam and 6800 is my shift point no prob

Yet someone else tried to dyno that cam with Lingenfelter heads on a stock shortblock and it had not peaked at 7000rpms.

Do you have evidence to suggest you are getting to rev it past peak like you should??

How log have you been running it?
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 08:13 PM
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no evidence but i have had this cam for about a year and i love it
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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In other words you don't know any better YET.
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